Welsh football clubs are poised to embark on their European journeys for the 2026-27 season, following the official draws for the Champions League and Conference League qualifying rounds. The New Saints, fresh off their fifth consecutive Cymru Premier title, are set to represent Wales in Europe's elite club competition. Meanwhile, Connah's Quay, Caernarfon Town, and Penybont will contend in the Conference League qualifiers, each facing formidable opponents from across the continent.
European Showdowns: Welsh Clubs Discover Their Opponents
The New Saints, under the guidance of manager Craig Harrison, have been drawn against Sabah of Azerbaijan in the initial Champions League qualifying phase. Their first encounter will take place in Azerbaijan on either July 7th or 8th, with the return leg scheduled a week later at Park Hall. Sabah, established in 2017 and based in Masazir, is no stranger to European competition, marking their fourth consecutive season. The Azerbaijani club recently clinched their first domestic league title, finishing nine points clear of perennial champions Qarabag. While The Saints have yet to reach the Champions League group stages, they notably advanced to the Conference League group phase in the 2024-25 season, securing a victory against Kazakhstan's Astana.
In the Conference League, Connah's Quay, who secured a second-place finish in the recent Cymru Premier season, will face Kosovo's Ballkani in their first qualifying round. The Nomads will host their home leg at Colwyn Bay's Llanelian Road. Their last successful two-legged European tie dates back to the 2019-20 Europa League qualifiers, where they triumphed over Scottish side Kilmarnock.
Caernarfon Town is preparing to clash with Estonian club Levadia Tallinn in their opening qualifying match. Richard Davies' Canaries earned their European spot by winning the Welsh Cup for the first time in their history, defeating Flint Town United 3-0 at Newport's Rodney Parade in April. This marks their second European appearance in three seasons. Levadia, based in Tallinn, concluded last season as runners-up in Estonia's top-tier league, the Meistriliiga.
Penybont, who secured their European berth through victory in the Cymru Premier play-offs, are set to challenge Santa Coloma. Penybont's home fixture will be played at Cardiff City Stadium. The Doves, who boast 13 Andorran championship titles, previously defeated Rhys Griffiths' team 3-1 over two legs in the 2023-24 Conference League qualifiers. All first-leg matches for these Conference League ties are slated for Thursday, July 9th, with the decisive return legs following on Thursday, July 16th.
The upcoming European qualifying rounds present an exciting opportunity for Welsh football clubs to test their mettle against international competition. For The New Saints, the Champions League draw against Sabah offers a chance to continue their impressive domestic dominance on a larger stage, while also reflecting on their previous Conference League success. For Connah's Quay, Caernarfon Town, and Penybont, the Conference League provides a platform to gain valuable European experience and potentially create memorable moments for their fans. These matches are not just about progression in the tournament; they are about showcasing the growing talent and ambition within Welsh football, pushing the boundaries, and learning from diverse footballing cultures. The outcomes will undoubtedly shape the narratives for these clubs in the coming season and contribute to the overall development of football in Wales.
